Music · 1957
Rock 'n' Roll Explosion and Soul's Dawn
In 1957, rock 'n' roll solidified its grip on youth culture while soul and modern jazz pushed artistic boundaries. From electrifying chart-toppers to fate-sealed meetings in Liverpool, the sound of pop music was permanently transformed.
- July 6, 1957 | Woolton, UK | Rock
John Lennon Meets Paul McCartney
Fifteen-year-old Paul McCartney meets sixteen-year-old John Lennon at a church fete performance by The Quarrymen, sparking the most influential songwriting partnership in music history.
- October 1957 | Elvis Presley | Rock
Jailhouse Rock
Elvis Presley dominates the charts with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's infectious title track featuring iconic, synchronized choreography in his famous motion picture.
- September 26, 1957 | Musical Theatre
West Side Story Premieres on Broadway
Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's revolutionary musical opens at the Winter Garden Theatre, redefining American musical theater with its edgy dance numbers and urban drama.
- December 1957 | John Coltrane | Hard Bop
Blue Train
Saxophonist John Coltrane releases his sole album as a leader for Blue Note Records, a hard bop masterpiece featuring a powerhouse ensemble including Lee Morgan and Curtis Fuller.
- November 1957 | Jerry Lee Lewis | Rock
Great Balls of Fire
Jerry Lee Lewis delivers a feverish, piano-pounding performance that sells millions of copies and cements his reputation as rock 'n' roll's wildest showman.
- September 1957 | Sam Cooke | Soul / R&B
You Send Me
Sam Cooke releases his solo secular debut single, soaring to number one on both the R&B and pop charts and heralding the birth of mainstream commercial soul music.
- October 1957 | Australia | Rock
Little Richard Abruptly Quits Rock 'n' Roll
At the peak of his fame during a tour in Australia, Little Richard renounces secular music to join the ministry after seeing the Sputnik launch as a sign from God.
- May 1957 | The Crickets | Rockabilly
That'll Be the Day
Buddy Holly and The Crickets score their breakthrough hit, pioneering the classic two-guitars-bass-and-drums rock band format that would inspire generations.
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